How to invest in a money market fund
Last Updated on 4 February 2026 by Equipo Urbanitae
If you’re planning your first steps in the world of investing, you might be interested in opting for low-risk products. In this category are money market funds, which combine a conservative profile with high liquidity. This type of fund has become a fundamental tool for both small and large investors seeking to protect their capital while achieving a higher return than what traditional savings accounts offer. In this article, we explain how to invest in a money market fund and what you need to know before doing so.
What is a money market fund?
As mentioned, a money market fund is a type of investment fund that invests in short-term monetary assets, such as Treasury bills, high-quality corporate bonds, and bank deposits. Its main goal is to provide a safe investment with immediate liquidity, making it an attractive alternative to savings accounts and term deposits.
Advantages of money market funds
- Low risk: By investing in high-credit-quality assets with short maturities, money market funds have a significantly lower risk level compared to other investment options like equities or even some fixed-income funds.
- Immediate liquidity: Most money market funds allow you to withdraw money at any time, making them an excellent choice for those who need quick access to their capital without penalties.
- Diversification: Although they focus on low-risk assets, these funds offer automatic diversification of investments, which helps further reduce risk for the investor.
- Stability: During times of volatility in financial markets, money market funds usually maintain their value and provide stable returns, making them attractive during periods of economic uncertainty.
What risks are associated with investing in a money market fund?
While money market funds are considered low-risk investments, they are not completely free of dangers. Some of the main risks include:
Credit risk
Although the assets they invest in are high quality, there is still a possibility that debt issuers may be unable to meet their obligations.
Interest rate risk
Changes in interest rates can affect the fund’s returns. If rates rise—as has happened over the past two years—the prices of the assets the fund invests in may fall, which would impact performance.
Inflation risk
Although money market funds offer stability, their returns are usually lower than those of other investment instruments, which can mean that real returns (inflation-adjusted) are low or even negative in certain periods.
How to invest in a money market fund?
Investing in a money market fund is a straightforward process accessible to most investors. Here are the basic steps:
1. Elige una plataforma de inversión
: Existen numerosas plataformas que permiten acceder a fondos monetarios, como MyInvestor, uno de los más populares en España. Investiga cuál es la mejor plataforma para ti según tus necesidades.
2. Selecciona el fondo adecuado
: Hay múltiples opciones en el mercado, por lo que es crucial hacer una investigación previa. Considera factores como las comisiones, la rentabilidad histórica y la política de inversión del fondo. En 2024, algunos de los mejores fondos monetarios han destacado por su consistencia y bajos costes.
3. Ten en cuenta tu horizonte temporal
: Los fondos monetarios son ideales para inversiones a corto plazo debido a su liquidez y estabilidad. Si estás buscando obtener rentabilidad en un plazo más largo, podrías considerar otros tipos de fondos de inversión.
4. Monitoriza tu inversión
: Aunque los fondos monetarios son de bajo riesgo, es importante seguir su evolución y el entorno económico para asegurarte de que siguen alineados con tus objetivos financieros.
Expected return
The returns on a money market fund are generally low compared to other investment options but are usually higher than a savings account. Returns depend on factors such as interest rates and the fund’s investment policy. In a low-interest-rate environment, returns may be reduced, but when rates rise, money market funds tend to offer better returns.
In 2024, some of the most competitive money market funds are expected to continue offering attractive returns compared to traditional savings accounts.
Alternatives: money market ETFs
In addition to traditional funds, money market ETFs are another option for investing in short-term assets. These exchange-traded funds offer greater flexibility and, in some cases, lower fees. However, since ETFs are subject to market fluctuations, they may be less stable than traditional money market funds.
Overall, investing in a money market fund is an attractive option for those seeking stability, liquidity, and low risk. Although their returns may not be as high as other investments, they offer a solid alternative for short-term savings. With reliable platforms and a wide range of options available in the market, these funds are a key choice for diversifying portfolios and managing money efficiently without taking on significant risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fees are reasonable for a money market fund?
A TER below 0.30% is generally competitive; above 0.50% it becomes less attractive. Also review management, custody/depositary, and any platform fees, converting them into euros based on your investment amount.
Difference between a money market fund and a fixed-income fund
One of the most common questions is the difference between a money market fund and a fixed-income fund. The main distinction lies in the type of assets and their maturity:
- Money market funds invest in short-term assets (typically less than one year), which makes them more liquid and generally less volatile.
- Fixed-income funds can include bonds with longer maturities, which may offer higher potential returns, but also involve more risk.
Difference between a money market fund and a deposit
Bank deposits typically guarantee the invested capital and pay a fixed interest rate over a defined period. Money market funds, on the other hand, do not guarantee capital or a fixed return (although the likelihood of losses is usually low). They also offer more flexibility, since you can usually access your money without penalties.
What should I look at when comparing two money market funds?
Check:
- Average duration
- Credit quality
- Total costs (TER and other fees)
- Portfolio transparency
- Consistency of track record
Prioritize funds with clear policies and low costs.
